GB CM seeks special flights to evacuate students from Kyrgyzstan

Amid ongoing violence in Kyrgyzstan, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has written a letter to the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting the arrangement of special flights to repatriate students as soon as possible.

The letter highlights the dire situation in Bishkek, where recent mob violence has created an environment of instability and danger. The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the distress and anxiety faced by the students and their families back home. He stressed timely action to ensure the safe return of the students to Gilgit-Baltistan.

“We urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the Pakistani Embassy in Kyrgyzstan to provide all possible assistance to our students, including shelter, food, medical aid, and any other necessary support during this critical period,” he said.

To facilitate effective assistance, a detailed list of Gilgit-Baltistan students currently enrolled in various universities in Bishkek has been enclosed with the letter. This list is intended to streamline the identification and coordination efforts necessary to assist the students promptly and efficiently.

“We are confident that with your esteemed support and cooperation, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our students. The families of these students are deeply anxious, and a prompt resolution to this matter will bring them immense relief,” the letter reads.

On Friday, hundreds of Kyrgyz men in Bishkek attacked buildings housing foreign students, including Pakistani citizens among the thousands studying and working in the Central Asian country. The mob violence reportedly erupted after videos of a brawl between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students went viral earlier this month, fueling anti-foreigner sentiment over the past week. At least five Pakistani citizens were injured in clashes in Bishkek.

At least 170 Pakistani students returned home from Kyrgyzstan via a special flight on Monday, as the government operates flights to bring them back. With this arrival, the total number of students brought back has reached 540. Over 350 Pakistani students had already landed in Lahore and Islamabad on Sunday due to security concerns in Bishkek. However, thousands remain stranded in the country.

Students have blamed the Pakistan embassy in Bishkek for not providing adequate help, stating that the situation in Bishkek remains dire. They reported that Kyrgyz students and locals were attacking foreign students, adding that they did not feel safe even on the roads.

Syed Kumail Mosvi, a student at the Asian Medical Institute from Gilgit-Baltistan, spoke to HUM News on the telephone, stating that the university had instructed them to remain confined to their hostels and flats. He mentioned that they are compelled to rely on teachers and landlords to purchase daily necessities as they have been stranded in their rooms for the last two days.

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Mosvi questioned how long they could be limited to their rooms. He contacted the Governor and the coordinator to the Chief Minister, providing them with a list of students and requesting special flights or tickets as announced by the Prime Minister and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister. Despite a day having passed, no action was taken.

Mosvi described the situation as panic-inducing, with everyone wanting to return home. Students are trying to arrange tickets themselves, but it is nearly impossible as going outside is unsafe and flight tickets until May 23 are already booked. Only a few have managed to secure tickets. He feared further delays could lead to over ten days of waiting for tickets.

He acknowledged that the Kyrgyz government has enhanced the security of hostels, and the university has collected details of students, with teachers providing food and security. Mosvi regretted that the embassy had not taken any steps. He reported that when they contact the Pakistan Embassy, they are repeatedly told that the situation is normal, which he refutes. He noted that Pakistani students who went outside to purchase supplies were attacked again by locals.

The situation outside Bishkek is not violent, but panic is spreading. A student from Gilgit-Baltistan in Naryn reported that landlords are providing lists of foreigners residing in their flats to locals to avoid damage to their properties, which could lead to violence. He mentioned that foreigners leaving the country are being interrogated and asked not to share anything negative about the government on social media. Their mobile phones and social media accounts are being checked to delete any videos or posts critical of the Kyrgyz authorities.